Jakujō-ji Temple

Overview

Jakujō-ji Temple is a Tendai sect temple located in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture. Its mountain name is Fuinzan. Commonly known as "Fuin Kannon," it's the 29th temple on the Shinano Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage route. Traditionally, Jakujō-ji Temple is said to have been founded in 724 AD (the first year of the Jinki era in the Nara period) by Gyōki. It was later destroyed by Takeda Shingen's invasion in 1548 (the 17th year of the Tenbun era) and rebuilt in 1558 (the first year of the Eiroku era) by Mochizuki Saemonza Shinmasa, the lord of Mochizuki Castle. During the mid-Edo period, it burned down again in a wildfire, but in the late Edo period, most of the existing temple structures were renovated by Makino Yasuakira, the lord of Komoro. Jakujō-ji Temple is dramatically situated on a cliff face, offering magnificent views of Mount Asama and the surrounding landscape. The temple grounds also feature "Zenkō-ji Ana," the origin of the legend "Dragged to Zenkō-ji Temple by an Ox," and the Kannon Hall Palace, constructed in 1258 (the second year of the Shōka era). The temple is also beautiful in spring with cherry blossoms and in autumn with vibrant fall foliage. When visiting Komoro, be sure to stop by Jakujō-ji Temple; it's sure to create an unforgettable memory.